Even if you’ve never smoked a turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas before, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step so you can cook a turkey with confidence.
Alternatively, if you have smoked a few turkeys but are struggling to perfect your technique, we would be happy to help you prepare to smoke a turkey that your guests will still be talking about a year from now!
Give us a call at (717) 355-0779 or stop by our store at 140 W Main Street in New Holland, Pennsylvania, to speak with one of our friendly staff members who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about outdoor cooking. We are more than just a barbecue shop; we help regular people make the best barbecue they’ve ever tasted!
Do you need help cooking your holiday turkey? We believe amazing barbecue is not just for celebrities. Visit us for all your outdoor cooking needs, including free and helpful guidance from other barbecue enthusiasts. Call us at (717) 355-0779 or visit us at 140 W Main Street in New Holland, PA.
In this cook I am cooking a 16-pound heritage breed turkey from Fossil Farms. I am using my Yoder YS640s pellet smoker fired with pecan pellets. I spatchcocked, dry brined, and seasoned the turkey, then smoked it until it reached my target temperature. It’s unfortunate that the entire family wasn’t together on Thanksgiving because the turkey tasted amazing.
Around Thanksgiving, some stores price turkey below their cost to get people into their stores. While you can smoke a delicious turkey from Butterball or Honeysuckle, there are also many benefits to selecting a heritage breed or one that hasn’t been heavily processed. Cooking a turkey without using a solution injection has the advantage of allowing for more precise control over the meat’s salt content.
Spatchcocking a turkey is a fantastic way to ensure a juicy, evenly cooked bird, especially when smoking. This technique involves removing the backbone, allowing the turkey to lay flat and cook faster. But how long should you smoke a spatchcock turkey at 300 degrees?
The answer depends on several factors:
- The size of your turkey: A general rule of thumb is to allow 20-25 minutes per pound for a spatchcock turkey at 300 degrees. However, this is just an estimate, and you should always rely on the internal temperature of the bird to determine doneness.
- The type of smoker you’re using: Different smokers operate at slightly different temperatures, so it’s important to monitor your smoker’s temperature closely.
- Whether you’re using a brine or injection: Brining or injecting your turkey can add moisture and flavor, but it can also slightly increase the cooking time.
Here’s a helpful table to guide you:
| Turkey Weight (lbs) | Estimated Cook Time (hours) |
|---|---|
| 10-12 | 2-2.5 |
| 13-15 | 2.5-3 |
| 16-18 | 3-3.5 |
| 19-21 | 3.5-4 |
| 22-24 | 4-4.5 |
Remember, these are just estimates It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey in the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some additional tips for smoking a spatchcock turkey at 300 degrees:
- Preheat your smoker to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey generously with your favorite rub or spices.
- Place the turkey skin-side up on the smoker grate.
- Smoke the turkey for the estimated time, checking the internal temperature regularly.
- Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Lanes BBQ Spatchcock Holiday Turkey Recipe: https://lanesbbq.com/blogs/recipes/spatchcock-holiday-turkey
- HowToBBQRight Spatchcock Smoked Turkey Recipe: https://howtobbqright.com/2018/11/15/spatchcock-smoked-turkey/
You can smoke a tasty and perfectly cooked spatchcock turkey at 300 degrees by using the resources provided and the advice in this article.
Happy smoking!
Order Your Nicholas Breed Turkeys Now!
Because they are so juicy and tender, the Nicholas Breed Turkeys from Fossil Farms make a delicious alternative to conventional factory-farmed turkeys. Why these turkeys are better:
- Pasture-raised for a happier and healthier life
- Given a diet limited to vegetables, such as local soybean meal, rye, corn, and alfalfa
- raised by a network of fourth- and fifth-generation family farmers in Pennsylvania, then humanely harvested in New Jersey
- 100% all-natural and free of antibiotics, growth hormones, and steroids
- Minimally-processed—perfect for brining
How to Smoke a Spatchcock Turkey on a Pellet Grill | Heath Riles BBQ
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a Spatchcock turkey at 300 degrees?
How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 300 degrees?
How long does it take to smoke a turkey at 275 degrees?
How long to smoke a spatchcock turkey in a masterbuilt electric smoker?
How long do you smoke a Spatchcock Turkey?
Smoke the spatchcocked turkey. Carefully transfer your turkey directly to your smoker grates and make sure the wings are still tucked, the thighs are turned out and the turkey is laying flat. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast.
How long to smoke a Turkey at 300 degrees Fahrenheit?
Here’s our ultimate guide on how long to smoke a turkey at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Turkey should cook at a rate of about 20 minutes per pound in a 300-degree smoker. While we usually recommend a slightly lower temp, 300 is as high as we would go if you want a smoked bird rather than a traditionally roasted one.
How long does it take to cook a Spatchcock Turkey?
It takes 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours to cook a 15-pound spatchcock turkey. An 18-pound spatchcock turkey takes about 4 1/2 hours. In contrast, a 20-pound turkey takes 5 hours to cook. Nevertheless, do not worry about the time. Worry about the temperature. You must cook the turkey to 165°F to be safe for consumption.
What temperature should a Spatchcock Turkey be cooked at?
Cook turkey at 300°F on a smoker. This is the ideal temperature for a few reasons. This temperature cooks the turkey more evenly. It also cooks the turkey slowly enough that the smoky flavor can permeate the entire turkey! Do You Get Crispy Skin on Spatchcocked Turkey?